European Heritage Days in and around Poitiers

Featured, Living History

Free activities
Paying activities
Summer

Each year the Vienne is pulling out all the stops for Heritage Days! Get ready to play explorers with your family: guided tours, activities for young and old, exciting museums and VIP access to places usually closed to the public (yes, even behind the scenes). It's the perfect time to push open doors that never open! 

Workshop: Discovering Medieval Illumination 

Marmande Castle

Step into the Middle Ages and discover the art of illumination!

During this 2.5-hour workshop, let yourself be guided by two illuminators who graduated from ISEEM. Bird feathers, precious pigments, brushes, and gold leaf: discover the secrets of this ancestral art and leave with your own creation.

Accessible to all (from age 8) – no drawing skills required!
All inclusive: art supplies and snacks included. Price: €55
⚠️ Limited places – By reservation only.
📩 Info & booking: info@latourdemarmande.com

Treasure hunt "The 6 Golden Calves"

Civaux Archaeological Museum

Roman legend: The Treasure of the Golden Calves
Faced with the threat of Visigoth warriors, a wealthy Roman once hid his treasure in Civaux: six mysterious statuettes of calves made of solid gold…

Dive into an immersive family adventure! To find these precious objects, you'll need to solve captivating puzzles, overcome skillful challenges, and participate in themed craft activities. A fun and creative experience that will delight the whole family.

Practical
€2 per family. Registration required.

The six golden calves, Civaux archaeological museum©Thomas Jelinek – Agence-Zebrelle

Game: The Secret of Notre-Dame-la-Grande

Church of Our Lady of the Great

Step into the shoes of a church builder! Manage your resources to contribute to the construction of this masterpiece of Romanesque art! Designed by students of the Nelson Mandela High School in Poitiers, this game is free and open to all!

The perfect opportunity to discover this iconic place in the city of a hundred bell towers! 

Escape game: the café of curiosities

Science Hotel

Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of the scientific collections at the University of Poitiers. Behind a captivating setting blending mysterious objects, specimens in jars, and antique instruments, lies a unique escape game. Observe, analyze, communicate: your ability to reason as a team will be the key to unlocking the secrets of the Café. The experience then continues with a special discussion to explore the history of the objects around you.

  • Total duration : 1h (30 min escape game + 30 min cultural mediation)
  • Team : 2 to 6 people
  • age: Ages 8 and up

Guided tour “Nouaillé Abbey at night”

Nouaillé Abbey

Exceptional evening events: Following in the footsteps of 18th-century monks

Experience a unique journey into the heart of the abbey! For these two exclusive evenings, the monks' wing opens its doors to you by candlelight. Let the family who owns the abbey guide you through its richly furnished rooms. A complete and privileged immersion into the daily life of an abbey at its peak, just before the turmoil of the French Revolution.

  • Format : Guided tour in small groups (max. 40 people per time slot).
  • Price: Free, with voluntary contribution.
  • Accessibility: Not accessible to people with reduced mobility (PRM).
Abbey of Nouaille-Maupertuis©Agence Zebrelle – Bastien SAUVE

Discovery bike rally

Mirandes Towers Archaeological Site

Discover Saint-Martin-la-Pallu with a tourist bike rally! Solve riddles, take on team challenges, and enjoy a truly fun and friendly adventure, accessible to all. Heritage, nature, and discoveries await you, with a tasting for the brave at the finish line! 

Practical
Free. Limited to 25 people. Reservation required. Bring your own bike and personal safety equipment.

Visual Discovery Rally by Bike©©Communauté de Communes du Haut-Poitou

Guided tour of Ternay Castle

Chateau de Ternay

Immerse yourself in the daily life of the knight Bertrand de Beauvau and discover a place steeped in history during a guided tour led by the owner, punctuated with fascinating stories and anecdotes. Admire the richly sculpted inner courtyard, the remarkable Gothic chapel, the magnificently preserved period salons, and the 45-hectare park planted with centuries-old trees.

Practical
Reservations required. Limited places (50 per session).

Immersion at the source of the La Roche-Posay brand 

La Roche-Posay Thermal Center

Presentation of the resource (thermal water trail), of the thermal center, visit to the treatment center, presentation of support treatments.

Practical
Groups of 15 to 20 people maximum per session.
No dogs allowed
Visits to the Thermal Baths and the Pink Pavilion are only available on Sundays: registration required. 

Pink Pavilion©Lips Photographies

Game “Explorers, the Town Hall”

Poitiers Town Hall

The Poitiers Town Hall is a remarkable 19th-century architectural achievement, rich in symbols celebrating the city and municipal power.
Using an activity booklet, children can explore the building in a fun way and uncover all its secrets.

Practical
Free
Booklet available at the Town Hall reception

City Hall of Poitiers©CRTNA

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Find all the information about the European Heritage Days on their official website